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Marooned Without A Compass Day

Monday, November 12, 2012

Among the various holidays that each nation has to
offer, Marooned Without A Compass Day appeals to me on both a personal and
professional level.I am one of those
people whom, in my early thirties, still does not know what I want to do when I
‘grow up’; while I am not too concerned about this on a personal level the
implications that it brings to my professional career in an
employment agency may cause some people concern.But… fear not!

As I work with individuals on a daily basis to reach
their ultimate career goals; I have long learned to accept the fact that the
often seemingly directionless steps that people take with regards to their
careers are often vital in gaining the relevant experiences that will, with a
little nudge from myself or my colleagues here at Champions, enable an
individual to create a strong foundation from which they can move forward
towards finding and retaining meaningful employment.

Yet, this blog is not designed to discuss the person
centered planning we use to develop successful clear career planning
objectives; instead I have chosen to focus on the use of Social Media and its
implications towards a successful job search.
In addition to my apparent blasé
statements with regards to my own directionless career path I must confess that
I have been a staunch rejectionist of the Social Media platform.

Until now…

While at one of our monthly staff meetings we were
informed that our Marketing & Communications Coordinator (formerly referred
to, by myself, as our Social Media Surfer) would be on holiday for several
weeks and that the rest of the team would be helping to continue the great work
that he is doing. Initially I was annoyed
at having Social Media forced on me – rather like enduring a stubbly kiss from
old Auntie Barb at the annual family reunion, who’s rogue chin hair, having successfully
escaped the ravages of the tweezers, tickle ones’ cheek as her false teeth
fight to retain their grip on her gums while she plants said sloppy kiss. While I was in my irritated state I
almost missed the valuable facts regarding Social Media and its benefits, these
facts helped to change my focus from frustration to an acceptance that Social
Media is very, very valuable… Rather like the $50.00 bill in old Auntie Barb’s
claw-like clutches which will be presented post puckering.

The simple facts speak for themselves and need no further
narrative to press the point home:

92% of employers use Social Media in their recruiting
practices.

Of these employers 93% use Facebook and 54% use
Twitter.

73% of employers have successfully hired someone through
Social Media.

LinkedIn remains the social network with the most
successful hires.

86% of recruiters review candidates’ social network
profiles – whether or not the candidates share those links.

These staggering figures have changed my mindset
completely and I am now recommending that all of my client’s develop, at the
very least, a LinkedIn profile.
Now! Immediately! However, while I can provide another
direction on the Employment Compass my own lack of knowledge of Social Media is
proving to be a barrier in helping my client’s past the initial “you must have
a LinkedIn profile” stage.

It is easy to offer a direction and, yet, sometimes
individuals need more than a compass to be able to move forward. This is why I am proud to let people know
that on December 6, 2012, Champions will begin their first Social Media focused
workshop called, rather unsurprisingly, Jumpstart
your Job Search with Social Media.

Champions have recognized that a direction towards a
horrifying horizon of the unknown will only be successful with the support and
encouragement that we all need at times.
With regards to our new workshop, you will find me front row and centre
with my pen poised to scribble down the important facts which will enable me to
confidently and comfortably talk to my clients about the true value of a well honed
Social Media Portfolio and it’s implication in a successful job search.